Oklahoma City Thunder vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions October 27th 2024

Thunder Look to Keep Winning Streak Alive in Home Opener Against Hawks

The Oklahoma City Thunder are ready to keep their early success rolling as they face the Atlanta Hawks in Sunday’s home opener. After starting the season strong, OKC is eyeing a 3-0 start—a feat they haven’t achieved since the 2016-17 season. With Chet Holmgren leading the charge, the Thunder’s defense has been fierce, while the Hawks’ high-octane offense, driven by Trae Young, poses a serious test.

Chet Holmgren’s Defensive Dominance Anchors the Thunder

Rookie big man Chet Holmgren is showing why he was so highly touted. Holmgren’s been a standout on both ends, averaging 23 points, 15 rebounds, and shooting an efficient 52.8 percent from the field. His defensive presence has been crucial for OKC, allowing them to hold teams to just 91 points per game—the lowest in the league so far.

The Thunder’s defense doesn’t just rely on Holmgren alone; his teammates have embraced a disruptive, team-wide approach. Guard Alex Caruso highlighted this after their last win, saying, “We just have a lot of guys that are good at getting deflections, good at anticipating, playing passing lanes.” This defensive cohesion has enabled Oklahoma City to control games, but they’ll need every bit of it to contain Atlanta’s high-flying offense.

Thunder’s 3-Point Struggles Loom Large

While Oklahoma City’s defense has been nearly flawless, their offense has hit some rough patches—particularly from 3-point range. They’re currently shooting just 21.1 percent from deep, which could be problematic against a Hawks team that defends the perimeter well. To maintain their winning edge, OKC will need to find a rhythm beyond the arc and keep Atlanta’s defenders on their toes.

Trae Young’s Historic Start Powers Atlanta’s Offense

On the other side of the court, the Hawks’ star guard Trae Young is off to a blazing start, averaging 34 points and 11 assists per game. Young’s scoring ability and playmaking have pushed Atlanta’s offensive tempo, and his aggressive playstyle has earned him 29 trips to the free-throw line, where he’s converting at an 86 percent clip.

Young’s historic opening performances have put him in elite company, joining Oscar Robertson as the only players in NBA history to start a season with two consecutive games of 30 points and 10 assists. Reflecting on his play, Young noted, “I can’t stop being aggressive… I’ve got to continue to stay aggressive for my teammates.” His approach has been essential for Atlanta’s offense, which is hungry to maintain its momentum and secure their own 3-0 start.

Key Factors for Sunday’s Matchup

Thunder Defense vs. Hawks Offense
Holmgren’s presence in the paint has transformed OKC’s defense, but they’ll face a true test in slowing down Trae Young. Can the Thunder’s defense-first mentality disrupt Atlanta’s offense enough to limit Young’s impact?

Thunder’s 3-Point Shooting
For Oklahoma City, finding some shooting consistency from beyond the arc is essential. If the Thunder can’t connect from deep, they may struggle to keep up with Atlanta’s scoring, especially if the Hawks’ perimeter defense stifles their inside game.

Trae Young’s Aggression
Young’s offensive pace and fearless play are Atlanta’s bread and butter. If he can draw the Thunder’s defenders out of position and keep up his shooting, the Hawks will have a significant edge.

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Game Outlook: A Battle of Styles

Sunday’s game is shaping up to be a thrilling contrast of playstyles: the Thunder’s lockdown defense against the Hawks’ explosive offense. If Oklahoma City can find a shooting touch and continue their defensive streak, they’ll have a real shot at going 3-0. But if Trae Young continues his high-scoring run, Atlanta may just spoil the Thunder’s home opener.